Fundamentals of Straight Arm Strength Training

Is it the ability to push an airplane down a runway or to lift the biggest tires overhead, or is it something you might not expect? Pound for pound, [tweet_box design=”box_08″]gymnasts are the strongest athletes in the world with the ability to leverage their own bodyweight with completely straight arms. [/tweet_box]These skills are referred to as levers for that reason. Levers are not mere feats of strength, but of skill, balance, control and dedication as well. Training to develop levers benefits both the body and the mind in a way that lifting weights in a commercial gym can never compare to. The isometric nature of levers means that training this way puts a lot of strain on your tendons and in turn strengthens them to unheard of levels. They also build immense amounts of strength in the torso musculature.

[tweet_box design=”box_08″]In your mind you must remain focused, almost meditative while performing levers in order to be truly in touch with your body.[/tweet_box] This kind of deep connection will allow you to focus on form and creates a sense for the limits of your own body, telling you when to stop or when to keep holding for just a few more seconds. While developing this mind-body link you will notice your strength and power in all aspects of fitness increase before your very eyes. I invite you to follow us through this levers series which will include pictures and videos in order to see for yourself what “true” strength really means.

Below is a brief outline of how the series will play out. Every week a new article will be posted concerning a different lever with the basics and fundamentals of the skill as well as progressions with detailed images and videos if necessary. By following us on our journey into the world of straight arm bodyweight strength, you will gain a deeper understanding of your own body while watching it grow in strength and flexibility and noticing improvements in your physique. Training these skills with help from our instruction will ensure that your training remains safe and beneficial and does not strain your body more than it can handle. I hope you are ready!